Episcopal minister halts all weddings
Protest is aimed at same-sex ban
By Associated Press
March 13, 2007

AMHERST -- An Episcopal minister will stop performing all wedding ceremonies to protest the denomination's prohibition of same-sex unions.

"We are called to join the fast that our homosexual brothers and sisters in Christ have had to observe all their lives," said the Rev. Robert Hirschfeld, rector of Grace Episcopal Church.

Several members of the congregation say they support Hirschfeld's move, which he announced in his Sunday sermon. Others said they were concerned the move might add to the polarization of an issue that has divided Episcopals. the rest